2007-06-10

According to a poll published in Saturday's Iltalehti, the new government enjoys the confidence of 65 percent of respondents, whereas 23 percent don't have confidence in the government. Centre Party supporters are the most confident, 91-5, followed by National Coalition Party supporters at 83-10. Green League supporters are 62-25. Interestingly, 53 percent of Social Democratic Party supporters have confidence in the government, which has to worry the party leadership. Left Alliance supporters divide 34-49, which is more like it for an opposition party. The poll asked about two controversial policies and got fairly predictable results: scrapping inheritance tax in generational transfers of farms and business divides opinion along predictable left-right lines, but introducing minimum fees for full-time daycare is broadly unpopular.

The poll also asked respondents to grade the new ministers, four being the failing grade and ten being the best grade. Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (Centre) received the best rating, 7.3, with Foreign Minister Ilkka Kanerva (Coalition) coming second at 7.1. Considering the amount of criticism leveled at Kanerva's appointment, I would guess that his high profile in the Bronze Soldier controversy has improved his popularity. Social and Health Affairs Minister Liisa Hyssälä (Centre) and Foreign Trade Minister Paavo Väyrynen (Centre) come off worst, both at 5.9. Of the party leaders, Finance Minister Jyrki Katainen (Coalition) comes in at 6.8, as does Culture Minister Stefan Wallin (Swedish People's Party). Labor Minister Tarja Cronberg (Green) is a bit lower at 6.3.

In other polling news, this month's party support poll from Taloustutkimus is out (fi).